While the terms ‘remodel’ and ‘renovation’ are often used interchangeably, they do have some differences, and it’s important to understand these before you decide upon the best course of action for your home.
Let’s say you have your kitchen or bathroom renovated; once the work has been finished, both rooms will still function in the same way, they’ll just be newer and with more modern appliances fitted and updated décor, for example. When a room is remodeled, on the other hand, its structure, shape, and entire appearance may be altered.
While remodeling an entire home is a big job and may involve the entire building being changed, a full, or gut renovation, can have just as effective results, but with a lot less time and money. That said, it’s important to recognize that renovation can still be costly, but a lot will depend on its scale and what type of improvements you wish to make.
If you’re wondering whether a full renovation is right for your home, here are some factors to consider that just might give you the answers you’re looking for:
- Your kitchen or bathroom is ugly and outdated
These are two of the most important rooms in any home, and if they’re old, dingy, unfunctional or outdated, it could be time to bring them into the 21st century with a renovation. Not only could renovating these rooms be better for you, but if you sell your home in the future, it will help you get a better price for it.
- Your home doesn’t function how you want it to
Some homes have been poorly designed, but by making a few non-structural changes, you can make it fully functional and comfortable to use. You may also be thinking ahead, to when the time might come for senior relatives to move in, or for more guests to come and stay. In this case, a few changes such as a converted guest room or walk-in shower, might be a worthy investment.
- You’re financially well placed
If you don’t have the budget for full home renovation in one go, why not tackle one room at a time? Whichever way you look at it, if your home needs renovating and you can afford to do it, why wouldn’t you?
- You fancy a change
Sometimes, homeowners carry out renovations simply because they want to change things up and turn their home into something that suits their lifestyle better. From revamped décor, to kids bedrooms converted into gyms, a change is as good as a rest, they say!
Should you carry out any of the renovation work yourself?
While there are some instances in which a spot of DIY isn’t harmful (provided you know what you’re doing), for most renovation work, especially full or gut renovations, you’re always going to benefit from professional help, whether that be from a renovation company, construction firm, or general contractor.
Going with professional help gives you the peace of mind that everything is going to be compliant with local and federal building regulations, for example, and that plumbing and electrical work has been carried out by certified and skilled contractors. Not only that, but with contractors, come warranties; something that doesn’t exist when you carry the work out yourself.
Whether you’ve grown bored of your home, it’s no longer fashionable, or it doesn’t function how you want it to, gut renovations can be incredibly satisfying, and when done well, can bring great reward and an even greater return on your investment.
Fully renovating your home gives you the chance to start again, and ensure that your home delivers everything you want it to, for many more years to come. To start your renovation journey, reach out to a local and trusted company specializing in home renovations.